Can_of_corn

I agree and I don't want him on the team. But I'm not sure this specific moment is more critical than say, when he picked Gunnar Henderson in the second round.

The 2023 trade deadline?

Maybe he still sees the psychologist MLB mandated?

In a vacuum I'd rather have Soto. He's as close to a lock for a 5 win season as you could hope for.

That one.

I agree it doesn't tell us much but thanks for sharing.

Two-three million a year isn't high leverage money. If he's a healthy version of Tate for that money it's a good move.

If you closer needs work you do. I've also seen games in which they used the closer with a 3 run lead and they were unavailable the next game. You can't play 162 one game seasons. I think it's an acceptable risk in most situations.

Which is why I put gimmie in quotes. I'm guessing here but I bet at least some of those happened with the designated closer in the game. Good link tho.

Sure. What passes for their "lock down" guy. Every person in your bullpen should be able to record three outs before allowing three runs almost all the time.

I've advocated not using the designated closer for three run "gimmie" saves and you don't even see that very often. You don't need your lockdown guy for that.

It was reported that he wanted to go to a team with at least one other Japanese player. His camp very quickly refuted the story.

He's not a free agent, he was posted. This would indicate that the O's are now participating in the posting process. Which is a good thing.

I'd view that as a feature, not a bug.

I'd actually be interested in bringing on Lee Jung-hoo if they could get a good deal for Mullins.

I thought it was about spending a moderate amount to help the team win more.

First off that rumor was refuted. Secondly I think the rumor was Japanese, not Asian. I don't think signing Lee Jung-hoo would help land him.

Big is a nebulous term, I don't think many were expecting a sharp increase but when he started talking about adding a top half of the rotation starter we were not expecting Gibson and Irvin. Something like 3/63 Bassitt got.

I don't love it but geez, if it's 2-3M a year it's not much risk.

You know that fully half of the responses to any criticism of the team this offseason will be answered by they won 101 games.

I don't recall anyone on the forum, or anywhere else, thinking that Elias meant "We will continue to not spend but the team will contend for the AL East title." when he said "lift off". I think it's revisionist history. Everyone thought he meant they were going to be at least somewhat aggressive in trying to improve the team from the outside. A lot went right for the team in 2023, it would be foolish to think it will go right again next year.

I was pining for the fjords.

Sportsguy did work for the team at one point.

Except Stowers and Cowser, the OH Think Tank have decided those two end up in the giant wicker man.

Word is out of Japan that the O's are looking to sign him to a multi year deal at 2-3M a season. Source is r/baseball